Vaqueros "Right There," but Downed by Undefeated #3 Moorpark
By Jimmy Friery
SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Santa Barbara City College Women's Basketball team (4-4) lost at home Wednesday night to Moorpark, 65-57.
Like the Men's game earlier in the evening, the Vaqueros remained competitive through the majority of the contest against a tough opponent. Moorpark is currently ranked as the #3 team in California, improving to 8-0 in conference play with the win.
"We played hard for literally 40 minutes," head coach Sandrine Krul said. "We came with a game plan and the team ran the game plan. … We were right there—I'm proud of this group."
That plan worked great in the first quarter, and the Vaqueros put Moorpark on upset alert from the jump. Lily Mires made a jumper on the first possession of the game, which Moorpark followed up with a bucket themselves. Paityn Persson made a layup 6 seconds later, and the Vaqueros held a lead the remainder of the period. It ended 22-17, with SBCC shooting 9 for 14 (64%).
To open the second quarter, Kiani Rojas hit a three, then Mires hit another to pad the lead to 28-19. But, Moorpark would come alive on a 7-0 run over the next 2 and a half minutes. With 1:30 in the half, they finally caught up at 32-32. By halftime, the score was a dead even 34-34.
In the third, the Vaqueros remained confident. Leila Chisholm made 2 threes a minute apart, giving SBCC a slim 44-39 lead. Still, Moorpark, showing their prowess, would not go away. Both teams, again, had caught up to each other at 48 at the end of three quarters.
Trying to conserve as much energy as possible, Krul subbed out 4 Vaqueros at the start of the fourth quarter. Kiani Rojas made a three early, and all 4 of those Vaqueros re-entered the game for the final 8 minutes. Mires made 2 free throws and Rojas sunk another jumper, giving SBCC a 55-52 lead with 6 minutes to play. However, Moorpark would tie the game with a three soon after, and some defensive mishaps and turnovers would plague the Vaqueros down the stretch.
"Against Moorpark, you can't miss defensive assignments when the game is on the line," Krul said.
Over the next 4 minutes, Moorpark would go on a 7-0 run and SBCC would not convert on a few three-point attempts, resulting in a 62-55 deficit. The final score settled at 65-57.
Paityn Persson had her third consecutive double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, all at least a share of the team lead. Lily Mires also played great with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
Leila Chisholm also finished with double digit points with 10, dishing 3 assists and swiping 2 steals, as well. Kiani Rojas led the bench with 13 points in 26 minutes.
Overall, the team stats were similar across the board (makes sense in a competitive game!), with Moorpark being just a tick better in most categories. From the field, Moorpark shot 44% to SBCC's 37%, and the ratio from beyond the arc was 43% to 33%. Rebounding, Moorpark eclipsed the Vaqueros 40-33. Both teams took care of the ball well, with Moorpark giving away just 13 turnovers to SBCC's 16. Each team had 11 assists, made their free throws (SBCC 82%, Moorpark 75%), and played a phenomenally competitive game.
"We are onward and upward to Pierce. We'll get back to work Thursday and Friday," Krul concluded.
At the time of publication, Pierce forfeited Saturday's upcoming game, giving the Vaqueros a victory in the process. So, the Vaqueros (5-4) next matchup is against a tough #23 Ventura at home, Saturday, the 17th, at 5:00 PM. Ventura (7-1) has only lost to Moorpark in conference play.
Come out and support your Vaqueros next Saturday!
